PHOTOGRAPHER – Wayne Duchart.
Beyond 50 welcomes unsolicited articles or photos.These
items can be sent to 1850 Ranchmont Crescent, Kelowna
BC V1V 1T4 or emailed to submissions@
beyond50mag.com. All submissions are considered
property of the magazine unless otherwise agreed.The
opinions expressed in this magazine are the opinions of
the authors and they do not necessarily reflect the opinion
of Beyond 50. Beyond 50 magazine is published quarterly:
September, December, March and June.This free
publication is distributed throughout the Okanagan (Lake
Country to Penticton). Reproduction in part or whole of

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this magazine is prohibited without the consent of the
publisher. Beyond 50 magazine is distributed to all
businesses registered with Canada Post for the Central
Okanagan, random homes receive a copy and there are
various drop locations throughout the Central Okanagan.
Beyond 50 may also be viewed electronically by visiting us
at www.beyond50mag.com
We would love to hear your comments. Please send them
to Beyond 50 at 1850 Ranchmont Crescent, Kelowna, BC
V1V 1T4, phone Laurel at 250-878-9194 or email us at
laurel@beyond50mag.com
BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

3

publisher’s point of view

Personal

Journeys
Ever wonder what makes a person
tick? As we go through life, we meet
individuals who hold a special place in
our hearts. Some fascinate or intrigue
us more than others. It may be their
looks, their personalities, or the graceful
way they handle a situation. We’ve all
had moments in life, experienced trials
and tribulations, but at the end of the
day most of us make it through.
Overcoming obstacles is the theme
for this issue - we choose it to celebrate
and admire how people survive and
thrive despite incredible odds and
adversities. What does the Second Cup
coffee shop; Rotary International and
the Okanagan Volunteer Opportunities
Fair have in common? They’re places
where I connected with the three
people on the cover.Each one has over-

4 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

PHOTO • WAYNE DUCHART

Submitted by Laurel D’Andrea

Left to right: Laurel, Dallas and Devon.

come an obstacle or two, yet each one
has a passion for life that draws you in.
Dwight is part of the 10am coffee
crew that hangs out at the Second Cup.
He has the biggest smile,acknowledges
everyone with a warm hello and always
seems happy. When it’s time to leave,
you see him manoeuvre the tight space
with his two stable sidekicks (his canes)
and you stop and envy his attitude. He
is going to share part of his world with us.
Judi is a lady, in every sense of the
word, and her smiles lights up a room.
Mother, wife, friend and life coach - she
is all of these things and more.I first met
Judi at a Rotary event and her smile and
laugh were infectious. The love she has
for her family and life shows in her eyes.
Battling cancer is never easy for anyone,
but Judi does it with style and grace,
and she is usually the one who lifts
everyone else’s spirits. She is a
champion volunteer when it comes to
cancer and even organized a “coffee
group,” where survivors and
caregivers meet once a
month. She has agreed to
share her tale and I know it
will move all who read it.
Annick is an interesting
young lady with a much older
kidney. This 37 year old’s body
houses a 62-year-old kidney.
Thanks to the miracle of

medicine and her father’s donation of a
kidney, Annick is one of the organ
donour registry’s strongest advocates.
We are thrilled and excited that people
like Annick share their personal
journeys, so we see the importance of
the registry.
Our entire publication is about
people, causes and events dealing with
overcoming obstacles.It’s our hope that
one or all inspire you to overcome any
challenges you may have.
My boys are growing up so fast, with
Devon’s graduation this year and Dallas
heading into high school, they, too, face
adversities ahead. My advice to them is

simple; take the time to ponder your
actions, do your research on whatever is challenging you and ask for
help. The world is filled with individuals
who will help you overcome anything,
all you have to do is ask - but more
importantly, listen and absorb their
wisdom.
Annick,
Dwight and Judi have
overcome their share of
obstacles. They all face life
with a great attitude, for
them the little things just
don’t matter. Check out the
hurdles each of them have
overcome, it will inspire you.

ABOUT THE COVER:

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

The

Plight of Dwight

PHOTO • WAYNE DUCHART

Submitted by Laurel D’Andrea

Dwight enjoys his car every time the sun shines.

Dwight Klimosko was born in Edmonton on January 30,
1954. He remembers spending a lot of time with his grandparents in Leduc, and it was his grandfather who taught him
how to skate when he was four years old. During his adolescent years, Dwight spent most of his time at the community

6 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

rink playing hockey,
and hanging at local
pizza joints. Helping on
the family’s dairy farm
was a natural thing for
Dwight; his uncle
showed him how to drive and to work on the farm.
In 1973, Dwight married the love of his life, Debbie, and had
two outstanding children, Nathan and Shawntel. Both have
achieved great success and he is one very proud dad. He is also
a very proud grandfather and couldn’t stop bragging about his
beautiful and brilliant his seven-year-old granddaughter Alexis.
Dwight and Debbie had a good life and decided to build a
home in Lake Country.Dwight had a lot of experience as he had
been building homes and both were excited to be doing this
project together. I guess you could say they had it all.
The words that Dwight used next sent a chill down my
spine. October 29, 1985 would be the start of their family
decline. Dwight and family were hit by a drunk driver and life
was never the same again.
Debbie - Dwight’s “blue-eyed angel,” as he graciously calls
her - was injured in the crash. But her strength allowed her to
take care of everyone else until further help came. Dwight says
she deserves a winning lottery ticket for keeping the family
together. Shawntel and Debbie were hurt physically, while
Dwight and his son Nathan sustained head and other physical
injuries. The head trauma caused Nathan and Dwight to
become negative in their thinking and speaking, so the family
had to cope with that aspect as well.
So how does one channel negative energy into something
positive, I asked?
“A friend of mine explained that I should have a hobby,”
Dwight said, so he gave Dwight his 1964 Pontiac Parisienne
A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

Convertible. This car had been sitting in his friend’s yard since
1969 so it was in desperate need of TLC.And it was this car that
would give Dwight a strong sense of accomplishment.
For the next five years Dwight spent his time cleaning,
painting, buying parts and working on his new found hobby.
He tells me that many of his friends and some local businesses
helped in his endeavour to get this beauty back on the road.
His left leg continues to be his biggest challenge and being
handicapped has made life difficult Sometimes he feels a bit
isolated. Dwight says his wife was incredible through the
ordeal - caring for their home, children and making him feel a
part of the family and loved despite his physical impairments
and head trauma.
The ironic thing is he hides his pain well, he always has a
smile, he acknowledges everyone and makes you feel like you
matter. I asked him what got him through it all. He cites

his family first and foremost, close friends and then the
community as a whole. So many strangers stepped up to the
plate and offered to help, and he is grateful for their support
and encouragement.
When you see Dwight in his beautifully restored car, smiling
ear to ear, keep in mind he would rather have the life he had
prior to Oct. 29, 1985, than the gem he now drives. It has not
been an easy road to travel, but he is appreciative each and
every day for the love and support he has experienced.
Dwight’s final word of advice for us: “Keep your head up and
watch those corners.”

www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

7

Overcoming

Obstacles

World Cancer Day, February 4, 2012,
was when I decided to start writing a blog
on coping with a recurrence of cancer.Our
year had begun with a roller coaster of
emotions.We began the New Year with a
Celebration of Life for my mother-in-law,
who had peritoneal cancer.
Two days after her celebration, I had a
colonoscopy that ruled out colon cancer.
With a collected sigh of relief, our family
continued the grieving process. However, celebration was short lived as 10
days later a routine mammogram indicated the cancer was back. In December,
we had just marked three years of post
treatment from a cancer discovered in
2008. This new diagnosis shocked our
family. I will admit, it initially sent my
mind to some pretty dark places.The first
time around, we were all confident I
would beat the disease. However, the
second time, we had just lost our
children’s grandmother and with that,

some of our confidence.
It didn’t take long for my family to rally
around me again. We spent a weekend
celebrating our daughter’s 21st birthday.
My family was able to recharge and get
ready to face this next challenge.Being in
nature, fresh air and with loved ones is
what we needed to feel like we were a
strong, united family.
My initial thought process when I was
diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 was
to have a double mastectomy. How-ever,
once the risks and statistics were explained to me,I decided a partial mastectomy
was the better option. In 2012, my mind
was made up and there would be no one
that could change it. I decided for me, the
best option was a bilateral mastectomy
without reconstruction.
My surgery was scheduled for February
14 - not the most romantic Valentine’s Day
but maybe one of the most important in
our 33 years of togetherness. I decided I

PHOTO • WAYNE DUCHART

Submitted by Judi Wallace

needed to do everything I could to get
ready for the surgery. I made appointments with a physiotherapist and
massage therapist to prepare my body. I
started doing the post surgical exercises
ahead of time using weights.I also believe
in the importance of having the mind
ready for surgery. I started visualizing the
procedure and a successful outcome. In
fact, the day before, I used the actual time
of the surgery to imagine how I would feel.
I listened to the music that I would listen to
during the operation.

As I prepared myself for chemo, I
again used visualization and meditation
to prepare my mind for the tribulations.
This time, I was better prepared and had
very few side effects. On chemo days, I
would prepare my little bag of goodies. I
had my music player with visualizations
and relaxing music that I played as I was
being prepped. I packed an amethyst
angel that my sister sent me that helped
me to let go and trust the process. In
addition, I carried a symbol of Stonehenge for courage and strength. Finally, I
brought snacks for comfort. I was also
extremely lucky that I always had my
husband, son or daughter with me,
providing unconditional love.
We never truly know what life holds
for us, but I believe every now and then
we are fortunate enough to find the
strength within us to challenge the
obstacles thrown in our direction. And of
course, the love and support of such an
incredible family certainly helps.
JUDI WALLACE, Life Coach • 250-826-4887 •
www.judiwallacecoach.ca

8 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

9

Register
to

Save a Life
Submitted by Annick Lim

Registered Donors in the Okanagan
Kelowna
Lake Country
Penticton
Summerland
Westbank/West Kelowna
Provincial Total for BC

26 % of the population
15.6 % of the population
19 % of the population
25 % of the population
16 % of the population
18 % of the population

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

our organs but only 18 per cent have actually have stepped up
and registered? There are 836,239 who have registered in BC.
I urge you to consider registering your wishes and save your
loved ones the burden of having to make the decision for you
at your time of passing.
The best way to overcome an obstacle is to educate
ourselves. As a society we fear the unknown and that inturn
puts up barriers. Part of my mission in life is to inform the

community on how organ donor registration can save lives
and perhaps one day save the life of someone they love.

Annick at Walmart on April 26th during
National Organ & Tissue Awareness Week.

If you would have asked me just a few short years ago what
my passion was, I wouldn’t have been able to give you an
answer. But, today, I can. I’m an advocate for organ donation. I
help people understand the importance of registering their
wishes regarding organ donation.
I’ve had kidney disease all my life and had the miracle of
transplantation through a living donor - my dad - in 1999. In
2008, I attended the first ‘Give the Gift of Life’ Kidney Walk and I
was hooked. I now volunteer with the Kidney Foundation
whenever I can.
Because of the amazing gift my father gave, today I can
celebrate my health, my marriage, wonderful life, family and
amazing friends. I was 23 and my dad was 48. Today, I am a 37year-old woman living very well with a 62-year-old
transplanted kidney.
Did you know that 85 per cent of us say we would donate

Q:

I’ve found the more informed people are of the facts, the more
receptive they are to registering. Thus I’ve listed some of the
common myths and truths below:
MYTH: I’m registered through my driver’s license.
FACT: The BC Transplant Organ Donor Registry replaced all
previous ways of indicating your decision about organ
donation.
MYTH: I’m too old.
FACT: There is NO AGE LIMIT to register. The health of the
organs rather than the age of the individual will determine
whether the organs can be transplanted.
MYTH: I’ve had medical conditions.
FACT: Everyone should register their decision regardless of any
medical conditions. A medical team does a thorough
examination of every potential donor to determine what
organs can be used for transplant.
I’d never want to leave a burden on my family for my most
personal final wishes and that’s why I’m registered. My hope is
that you will register too.Fill out the simple form with your care
card and remember to share your wishes with your loved ones.
Register today! Call 1-800-663-6189 or visit transplant.bc.ca.

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A:

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10 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

www.kvwoodworks.ca
A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

Support is
Key for

Brain Injury

Chances are you know someone who has been affected
by brain injury - it happens in an instant, but lasts a lifetime.
In 2008, Deb worked as a legal assistant for Hergott Law in
West Kelowna. She was actively involved in staff wellness,
and had organized a“bike to work”initiative. One fateful day,
she got into her gear - complete with a bike helmet - and set
for home, riding carefully along the shoulder of a busy
roadway. What followed changed her life forever.
Deb was the victim of a hit and run, and the driver was
never identified. The last thing Deb remembers was the loud
yelling of an irate truck driver and a “flash of white paint”
before she hit the ditch and was knocked unconscious.
Coincidentally, one of Deb’s sons happened to be driving
along on this same road, when he noticed her bike at the
scene.This was fortuitous as it seems Deb had not thought to
take any identification with her that day.
Her next memory was of waking up in the hospital with
her daughter at her bedside sobbing,“please don’t die on my
birthday,Mom!” While Deb was able to recover physically,she
was not made aware at the time that she’d sustained a brain
injury in the fall. Over the next 18 months she struggled with
fatigue, anxiety, anger, frustration and an inclination things
weren’t quite right. She recalls a“heavy feeling”and being in
a fog. Simple day-to-day tasks, such as cooking or cleaning,
did not come easily, and she found herself making mistakes
or forgetting to follow through.The issues with memory loss,
problem solving, planning and organizing were significant.
She remembers standing in the shower and not knowing
how to use the shampoo and conditioner - a problem that
resulted in her “looking like either Donald Trump or Phyllis
Diller!”
In 2009, a doctor administered a simple neuropsychological test and told her that she had a brain injury. Having
that information made a huge difference. Deb began to
improve steadily. Through determination, a strong faith, and
learning strategies,such as having a quiet place and knowing
her physical and mental limits, she was able to become
stronger and more independent. She is still easily distracted
and, as she calls it, “goes down rabbit holes” (such as being
captivated by the sticker aisle in Walmart), but she accepts
this behaviour and allows herself to be who she now is.
Deb believes that brain injury is one of the loneliest
injuries that can occur. A support system is vital to healing,

and she was fortunate to have a wonderful family at her
side. Deb has started a small soap business and remains
involved with a peer support group at BrainTrust Canada in
Kelowna. She is also an avid supporter of her previous
employer Paul Hergott’s “OneCrashIsTooMany.com”
campaign to reduce preventable car accidents.
www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

Submitted by Magda Kapp

Deb believes that brain injury is one of the
loneliest injuries that can occur.

A high percentage - in fact 85 per cent of brain injuries can
be prevented with the use of helmets.Sadly Deb was not one
of these. But “wearing the gear” and taking “safe risks” is
always the best course of action for lowering the risk of injury.
Staying safe in other ways is also important for injury
prevention. For example, falls can happen easily in the home
and it is important to ensure loose rugs are fixed in some way.
Also it is important to keep your brain healthy. As you age as
research shows it’s possible to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s
disease and other dementias with proper eating, being
mentally and socially active, and keeping stress low.
BrainTrust Canada is a progressive non-profit organization
that provides community rehabilitation for people with brain
injury, and has a strong focus on prevention. For further
information call 250-762-3233.
MAGDA KAPP is the Director of Communications
for BrainTrust Canada, where she is responsible for
the association’s marketing initiatives and was
instrumental in programs, such as the awardwinning Protect Your Head campaign for youth
and the Sponsor My Head online contest.Magda is
married and lives in West Kelowna with her
husband and golden retriever.
BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

11

Life! Live It!
At age 35, I was a fit, healthy, non
smoker, low-cholesterol kind of guy.Yet I
had crushing chest pains on exertion,running down my arm to my wrist,and violent
runs of very rapid heart arrhythmias.
But I thought, “Hey, I’m a young fit
athlete,always have been,can’t be much,
just pushed a little too hard.”
After procrastinating for a year, I went
to my GP. I had the usual heart tests;ECG,
stress test, x-rays and finally a holter
monitor that would trace my heart beat.
Committed to capture all I could on the
tape, I put ski boots in a duffel bag and
marched up a hill, which resulted in a
long run of wild beats and pain. I got
dizzy, saw shooting stars that weren’t
there and fell into a snow bank. I
struggled to my feet and went home,
mildly pleased and quite smug that I had
captured on tape the symptoms I had
been describing.

Little did I know I was experiencing
ventricular fibrillation or sudden death
syndrome.
Two days later the GP calls. “Bill, I have
results of the holter monitor, meet me at
emergency now and bring your toothbrush!” It sounded serious, and it was.
When I walked into emergency, I was
placed into a wheelchair and whisked off

12 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

Submitted by Bill Downie

Bill is an avid outdoorsman and recreational enthusiast.

to ICU, admitted and wired up. Despite
experiencing broken bones and torn
ligaments, I had never been in hospital
overnight. The little rolling table had an
assortment of dishes,bottles,saucers,etc.
I had no idea which one was for brushing
teeth or voiding - a new word for my
hospital vocabulary. At some point that
night I had to void, so I re-arranged the
wires and hopped out of bed with a
bottle from the rolling table. Bells went
off, lights flashed, nurses came sprinting I guess one’s heart rate goes up when

one stands up.
The next day came an angiogram.
The cath lab was on a lower floor and the
staff wheeled me down the elevator.
Along this route is the cut off to the
morgue. I did have a fleeting thought
that was where we were headed - that
perhaps I was dead and this is what it
was like - not much different than life.
Life, death and ICU stress conjure up all
sorts of mind games! When we passed
the hallway leading to the morgue and
kept going, I knew I must still be alive.

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

PHOTO • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

biking, snow shoeing, whitewater rafting
and wilderness canoe trips.
About five years ago I went to Ottawa
as one of two voluntary sector leaders
from across Canada to join a Federal Task
Force. I didn’t have a car there, so I
bought a road bike and used that to ride
to and from work.

I rode
long and fast and on my route was a
pool. Naturally, since I was already
running and biking, I thought, why not
learn to swim and do a triathlon? So I did
and completed in my first one in 2006.
Then came the lesion on my face. For
over a year I rationalized (again) that it
was just a sore from my reading glasses,
sunglasses or perhaps swimming
goggles. Finally,I showed it to my doctor.
He arranged a biopsy and,yep,it was skin

cancer. After a total of four surgeries, it is
no longer an issue in my daily routine.
Frankly, I never think about it.
In 2006, I started to have other funny
things happening to my body. I had
difficulty controlling my razor when
shaving, suffered from a stiff neck and
shoulders and was exhausted by noon.
Then, I couldn’t write. At a meeting one
day, I asked one of my managers to
make notes because I couldn’t write.
In due course, it was off to the
GP with my list of about 10
symptoms. That led to a referral to
a neurologist where I under-went a
number of tests. “This requires further
exploration,”I was told and was sent off to
the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre at
UBC to have an assessment there.
Months later I get the diagnosis. “Mr.
Downie, you have a chronic, progressive,
incurable brain disease.” That’s a list of
words you don’t want strung together in
one phrase!
“Bummer,” I said. “I better get at it - I
have lots to do - adventures to seize”.
The chronic, progressive incurable
brain disease is Parkinson’s. It’s sneaky. It

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BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

13

PHOTO • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The results of all the tests revealed
electrical problems - ventricular fibrillation clocked at 300 bpm (or quivers),
and a plumbing problem - 98 per cent
blockage of the left anterior descending
coronary artery. Not good.
I have bad genes - my dad and both
grandfathers died of heart disease in
their early 50s. But I was determined to
mitigate the negative impacts of the
gene pool for my kids.
Following my stay in ICE, I
occupied a room with other heart
patients. I noted that I started to
mimic the hospital shuffle. When I
was a probation and parole officer and
used saw inmates in jail, they had the
same gait - the jailhouse shuffle. It’s an
institutional thing, I guess.
I was airlifted to Vancouver for a
coronary angioplasty - a relatively new
procedure at the time,and then returned
to KGH by air ambulance to monitor the
VF. I was released within days.
“You’re good to go, get back to your
usual routine,” the cardiologist said. My
normal is very active. One week later I
was back playing in the senior men’s
basketball league, without pain, smiling
even when the opposition roared over
me. “Why? Because I’m here.” That’s
something not to be taken for granted.
I was always fit, but took up running
and that summer I recruited two
neighbors to run with me to train and
complete in the Kelowna Midsummer
10K. my time was terrible, but I got faster
and competed in many more races.
Another bout of heart concerns
plagued me in 2010 - angina, irregular
rhythm, etc. Same battery of tests
revealed the same artery and others
blocked and ventricle walls thinning. No
need for further intervention at the time
I was told, just go be normal again. My
normal continued to be hiking, skiing,

Do you remember the first
person who held your hand
... will you remember
the last?

David Fralick
1960-2010
David passed away peacefully, surrounded by his
family and supported by COHA volunteers.

infiltrates your life very slowly and it challenges every strategy
with which you try to mitigate it. It’s a journey!
I won’t go into detail of all the symptoms of Parkinson’s
disease; you can look them up. It has been aptly described by
Joel Havermann: “Like you are always bucking a strong
headwind, always trucking uphill.” And it seems the journey
never gets easier.
It’s a very complicated, cunning and determined disease
that seems focused on controlling most aspects of your life.
When you think you have it neutralized - or at least coping with
it - it presents somewhere else. I’m reminded of that carnival
game with the gopher puppets that pop up - you try to smack
one with a club and another pops up. In the book, A Life
Shaken, the author describes the disease as one that moves
with a glacier’s speed and power.Those of us with a progressive
disease describe a future more challenging than the present,
hence one of my favourite expressions - “it doesn’t get any
better than this.”
Like all formidable adversaries, heart disease, cancer, and
Parkinson’s have taught me, as well as tested me. They have
reinforced my faith in the resilience of the human spirit. I can
guarantee that life is not going to unfold as you had planned life happens along the way,with its inherent bumps and lumps,
and even regrets. But there is lots of wiggle room for joy,
adventure and humour. Don’t let yesterday rob you of
tomorrow.
I’m way to busy to be stuck in self-pity or mired in the “why
me” mentality. There are moments, though, that I need an
emotional tune up, but I am not going to let what could
become an obsession with disease minimize my potential and
contribution. I am so much more than my challenges.
Here are my suggestions for inoculating yourself against
letting a debilitating disease or challenging life circumstance
get you down:
• Be as active as you can, very active.
• Have a sense of adventure.
• Surround yourself with positive people and be one of them.
• Lighten up and don’t take yourself so seriously - no one else
does.
• Look after your body, mind, and emotions.
• Maintain a sense of spirituality and wonder.
• Care a lot about people and use things, and don’t get those
two reversed.
• Make the world a better place because you were here.
A quote I like is: “We are continually faced with a series of
great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as insolvable
problems.”
BILL DOWNIE has called the Okanagan home for over 30 years. He has
coached minor sports, sat on numerous community-based boards and
City of Kelowna committees.His has worked as a manager in the provincial
government, instructor at both UVIC and OUC, seconded to a Federal Task
Force in Ottawa and as Executive Director at KCR. Bill is an avid
outdoorsman and recreational enthusiast. In spite of his many accomplishments, his pride is in the successes of his three adult children.

www.hospicecoha.org
14 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

Connecting

the Dots
Submitted by Laurel D’Andrea

One thing that is important to me is
networking and helping those who
support our publication.When Nikki, Jim
and I talked about how we could help
our clients and the community, the
answer was simple. Beyond 50 would
form a partnership with the best
community portal in Kelowna. They are
Kelowna’s oldest community portal and
epitomize community focus. Beyond 50
is glad to be part the Welcometo
Kelowna family.

Having a column on WTK was the
next logical step. Each week I will focus
on helping people connect the dots or
find solutions. My goal is simple: to
provide an advice column for the
beyond 50 crowd that focuses on aging,
dating and relationships, community,
lifestyles, 50+ health issues, retirement,
caregivers and self care for people 50+. I
want you to ask the questions and I will
find you possible solutions or connect
you with someone who can give you
some sound advice. My relationships in
this community are vast so I want to use
my connections to help our loyal
readers.
To read my weekly column go to
WELCOMETOKELOWNA.COM and look
for Connect the Dots in the column
section. They will upload my new
column every Wednesday.

The Okanagans Premier Auction House

Western Star
Auction
Premier Full Service Auction
House in the Okanagan!

View online at www.westernstarauctions.com
www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

15

The Kindness of

Strangers
Overcoming obstacles sometimes
means tripping over those obstacles,
falling, and getting back up again. I have
had the pleasure of sharing my cancer
journey over the last year with the
faithful readers of this magazine. When I
am in medical waiting rooms, I often see
people reading Beyond 50, as they wait
for test results or procedures.
In fact, not too long ago as I sat
nervously awaiting an MRI, I noticed
someone beside me reading an article I
had written about managing stress. I
thought the irony was delicious and I
laughed in spite of myself. So the story I
share with you now is for all those people
sitting in waiting rooms, worried about
what’s next. Hopefully this will remind
you that we all fall from time to time, but
with the help of others,we ultimately get
back up again.

Creating a friendly, holistic environment where
we can explore the joys of simple self-discovery
through yoga, meditation, satsang, workshops,
books, movies and music.

Michele is looking forward to lots of summer time fun with her friends and family.

Recently, I was at a pedestrian crosswalk at a local mall in the middle of a
busy day of traffic. I hurried to cross the
street and that’s when it happened.
Something seemed to grab hold of my
ankle, and with arms flailing, I started to
fall face first onto the pavement. My
sunglasses left my head in one direction,
while my keys took flight in another. My
purse skidded through the intersection
as I lay there like road kill.
And that’s when I saw him - the kind
stranger running towards me, who
grabbed my hand and peeled me off the
ground. He gathered all my belongings
and offered me his arm as I limped
ungracefully forward. I looked back to
see a tangled wire, the culprit that
caused my demise, and the stranger
picked it up to ensure that no other
unsuspecting travellers would be caught
in its trap.

With genuine concern he asked if I
was okay. I almost answered, “no, I
have two cancers, and I have been
fighting really hard for awhile now.”
Luckily, my brain did its duty as a filter
before I divulged my entire medical
history.When I realized he was asking if I
was okay in reference to my fall, I
managed to stammer, “I think so.” Then
he wanted to know if he could call
someone to come and get me. I assured
him I would be alright, and frankly, I just
wanted to get the heck out of there, as

my ego was more bruised than my body.
My knight in shining armour started
to hand back my belongings and
inadvertently I grabbed his Purdy’s bag
by mistake, which was wrapped tightly
around his arm. We both laughed and
he said, “Maybe you should take my
chocolates, I think you deserve them
after what just happened.” I laughed a
little too loudly, in my nervousness and
embarrassment.
We parted ways as I rushed back
through the intersection to find the
safety of my vehicle, and ultimately my
home. I am afraid to look on YouTube
under the heading “Falling woman in
crosswalk,” as I’m sure I will be there.
There were many people who witnessed
my fall that day, but only one person
came to my aid. I am forever gratefully to
him, and perhaps he will read this story
and know how much I appreciated his
kind gesture.
So the next time you see someone
fall, literally or figuratively, put out your
hand to help them up. They may pay it
forward when someone else’s turn
comes.There are times when we need to
rely on the kindness of strangers to
overcome life’s obstacles. I believe
kindness is in each of us, and it is the
essence of our humanity. It allows us to
survive the fall, knowing that with the
help of others, we will get back up, time
and time again.

BC Cancer Agency, it was a natural thing for
Joy Playford recently switched
me to use my skills in a meaningful way, it’s a
gears. She retired from a 27-year
gift,” says Joy, who chairs the BC Cancer
career in development banking
Foundation’s Regional Development Council
to take on a new challenge (RDC) in Kelowna.
community leadership. For the
Joy’s mantra is, “heads, hearts and hands,”
past two decades, Joy held a
as she believes that community is about the
variety of senior management
collaboration of these parts, a coming
and leadership roles in the
together of many people to make the whole
Business Development Bank of
community better. She also believes that
Canada. One of the most
philanthropy must start at home, and leads
important things for her was
by example. Joy and her husband, Marty,
working with people and having
Joy promoting the BC Cancer Agency.
made a significant gift to the Foundation in
the greatest impact for clients.
Three years ago, life threw Joy a curveball. At the height of celebration of her retirement and successful cancer outcome.
The gift helped to seed a new research program, PREDICT,
her corporate career, she was diagnosed with ovarian and
uterine cancers. The diagnosis was daunting and scary. How- that will soon start at the BC Cancer Agency Sindi Ahluwalia
Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior. “PREDICT is really
ever, she felt confident in the people taking care of her.
Two years later, Joy was cancer free and preparing for about patients, clinicians and researchers collaborating and
retirement. Her future direction was clear; she was passionate sharing knowledge to make things better now, and ensure
about her community and using her leadership skills to help better outcomes for the future,” Joy explains. “It was the
perfect expression of what I had already benefitted from.”
make a difference.
Joy also sits on the BC Cancer Foundation’s Discovery
“I was so grateful for the wonderful care I received at the
Luncheon committee. Last year the inaugural event raised
funds for a leading-edge HDR Brachytherapy pilot at the
Agency, looking at a new treatment method for prostate
cancer. The 2012 Discovery Luncheon will raise funds for
Dr. Barbara James offers:
PREDICT.
Micro Alignment Therapy: a chiropractic
“As a cancer survivor, I can speak to the fact that being
technique to help restore proper joint alignment
involved with BC Cancer Foundation has been very
Heart Health Screening: checks heart
empowering. It inspires me to work with community
rate variability, plaque buildup in arteries, nervous
members, doctors and professional staff, who are partnering
system balance and more
to move cancer research and treatment forward,” says Joy.

1333 St. Paul St., Kelowna
Learn more at
www.discovermicroalignment.com
New patients welcome

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upply
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Will s healthy w r.
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One of the things she’s discovered by volunteering on
the Foundation’s Council is, “there are plenty of
opportunities for us to continue to make a difference.”
Joy believes that as more boomers retire from their
corporate positions, we’ll see more people engaging in
philanthropic and community roles with their time, talent
and financial resources. “It’s a true coming together of the
head, heart and hand,” she says.
Learn more about the BC Cancer Foundation, the
Discovery Luncheon and ways you can volunteer your skills
to enable cancer research. Call 250-7123921 or visit www.bccancerfound
ation.com
CHANTELLE FUNK is a Development Officer at the
BC Cancer Foundation in the Southern Interior and
coordinates events including the Sindi Ahluwalia
Hawkins Golf Tournament (August 24) and the
Discovery Luncheon (November 14).

20 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

Water, water
Submitted by Sandy Rehaume

everywhere...

We put Sandy from On Side Restoration to the test; we gave her a few questions
on how to clean up after those summertime disasters... Here is what she had to say.

Q:

My neighbour left his
sprinklers on all day, my
daughter’s window was left
open, so when we got home her
room was soaked. What do we
need to do to make sure there is no
permanent damage to the house?

A:

Check the room for any
electrical hazards before
stepping on the wet floor. If it’s
sunny and warm, open the window to
let the moisture out. Remove all wet
textiles, clean and dry them before
returning them to the room. Lift the
furniture and set the feet on nonabsorbent blocks (Styrofoam).
If the box spring and mattress got
wet... sorry no promises that they’ll dry.
Remove baseboards, casings and wet
underpad, if the room is carpeted.
Laminate and hardwood can only be
diagnosed on a case-by-case basis.

Q:

PHOTO • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

We had an above ground
inflatable pool and the boys
thought it would be ok to let
the dogs in for a swim. The dog’s
claw sliced the pool and it burst. The
8,600 gallons of water ended up in
my basement. How do I dry it out
and how long do I have to keep an
eye out for mould damage?

A:

Turn off the breaker and call an
electrician to check for
hazards. If it is sunny and
Warm, open the window to let the

moisture out. Remove everything from
the basement - yes, everything
It’s impossible to know what the
contamination levels are going to be.
Sort through your contents and set
them out to dry with the hope of
salvaging them.
If beds, couches and chairs, and any
furniture made from particle board got
wet, you will most likely end up
discarding them. Remove baseboards,
casings, doors and MDF door jambs.
Remove and dispose of wet drywall at
least 1’ above the tide line (usually 2’).
Loosen the vapour barrier and check
the insulation in the wall cavities. If it is
wet, remove it. Remove all laminate and
carpet and dispose of it. Check your
furnace, hot water tank and appliances
for water damage. Allow the framing
and flooring to dry completely - mould
should not be a concern. Keep
checking in and around the framing for
early signs of microbial growth until it is
completely dry.

Q:
A:

We found some water in our
crawl space and it is black in
colour, what does that mean?

‘Black in colour’ means
nothing... What you need to
determine is where the water
came from. If the black colour water is
from a sewer drain; it is considered
contaminated. When handling
contaminated water and affected
articles, you must wear personal
protective equipment.
If the water was from a washing
machine, sink or bathtub overflow, and
you know the spill did not occur more
than 72 hours ago, it may not be ‘black
water,’ but you should wear PPE just to
protect yourself from any bacteria that
it may have picked up on it’s way to the
crawl space.

www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

Regardless of the contaminant level in
the water, the entire area that is affected
should be cleaned and disinfected.
This document is strictly written to
assist in prevention or further damage
caused by water damage. If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact On
Side Restoration 250-310-2407
www.onside.ca.
SANDY REHAUME has
been with On Side since
2003. She relocated to
Kelowna in 2009 to
become the manager.
She is BC born & raised,
has two adult children
and she enjoys the
outdoors and comedy.

Quality service is a
major strength and
focus at AMJ
Campbell Kelowna.
NA
OW
KEL
AMJ CAMPBELL
Whether you are
looking to move
locally, nationally or
internationally we are the company
for you. We pride ourselves on
understanding our customer's
needs. If you are looking for
exceptional, personalized service
call, email or stop in to book your
next move with AMJ Campbell.

National
Quality Award
Winner

103 - 2662 Compass Court, Kelowna

250-769-7974
EMAIL:

jfinnerty@amj-kelowna.com

www.amjcampbell.com
BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

21

health matters

Earring Lost?
Submitted by Tom Millar

No... Hearing Loss!

Two older women run into each other outside an exclusive
department store. One woman is carrying a lot of packages
and it’s clear she’s been shopping.
Woman 1: “I don’t know why we haven’t seen you
around the gym lately! I ran into your doctor
and he said he’d told you to ‘diet and
exercise.’”
Woman 2: “You’re kidding! I thought
he said, ‘Buy it and accessorize!’”

It’s easy to chuckle when it
comes to “mis-hearing” or having
“selective hearing,” even at our own
expense, but for many, hearing loss is
no laughing matter.
As a youngster, I observed the negative effect of hearing
loss at home, mostly during the banter around the dinner
table and while the TV was on. You see, my dad worked
extremely hard to provide for my mom and six children. But
excessive noise at work damaged his hearing.
The mystery of his hearing loss was subtle at first, but
eventually became “the elephant in the room.” Many
embarrassing situations and frustrating years later, dad finally

22 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

accepted that his hearing loss was a real disability he needed
to address.
At the suggestion of a supportive friend, he had a hearing
evaluation with a Hearing Professional. The evaluation
determined that his hearing loss was a work-related
injury. And I can thankfully say, “the rest is
history,” Once he accepted and confronted
the major communication obstacle in his life,
dear old dad came to enjoy a fuller and
richer life with the help of hearing aids.
Why is hearing loss so hard to accept? This
is a great question! Even though there are
several causes of hearing loss, the latest statistics
show that it affects one in two people over the age of
50, yet it takes most people five to seven years to take action.
Valuable time is lost that can negatively personalities and
self-esteem, as well as, friendships and career opportunities.
Time and time again, people rationalize hearing loss with
statements such as,“I don’t have a hearing problem,” or “other
people just mumble.”
There are many consequences of untreated hearing loss,
such as withdrawal from social interaction due to

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

health matters

Embarrassed about your feet?
Don’t want to take off your shoes?
embarrassment or frustration; forming a habit of asking
others to repeat themselves; or giving up and “zoning out.”
In my clinic, I see first hand the toll hearing loss takes on
innocent victims. Left untreated, it can cause deep scars of
isolation and even depression. Immanuel Kant sums it up
best; “Not being able to see isolates you from objects. Not
being able to hear isolates you from people.”
When my father received his first set of hearing aids, he
was self-conscious when wearing them. And it’s no wonder,
as they were big and ugly, not to mention
they squealed quite a lot!
Hearing aid technology has been revolutionized, providing
wearers with smaller,
discreet hearing aids
that provide real world
improvement in complex,
challenging situations. At Connect Hearing, we strive to meet
your hearing needs by providing you with superior products,
service and value with care and integrity.
If you find yourself or a loved one struggling to hear
clearly, I encourage you to take the first steps toward a new
world of richer, fuller sound. With Connect Hearing’s no cost
or obligation trial program, and our “SoundCare Assurance,”
the obstacles to better hearing are fading away. Come in for
a complimentary hearing evaluation at one of our Okanagan
clinics today.
TOM MILLAR is a Registered Hearing Instrument
Practitioner / Clinic Manager for Connect Hearing
in Glenmore. He has 15 years of combined
experience in the Optical and Hearing Industry.
His outdoor passion is downhill skiing at Big White
Mountain with his wife and young son. An
emerging interest in digital photographic art has
begun to mix with his love of the beautiful
Okanagan.

We can help.

Onychomycosis, or nail fungus is very common
and unsightly. It’s also potentially dangerous for
those with diabetes, circulatory problems, or
immuno suppression, but more often it’s just
embarrassing.
We have a quick, easy, painless solution that’s
Health Canada approved - the GenesisPlus
Laser. This gentle laser beam passes through the
nail eradicating the nail fungus and causes no
damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. This
non-invasion treatment has no side affects or
down time. Results are not immediately visible
but as the healthy nail grows in you will see that
the fungus is no longer present.
The GenesisPlus Laser is
also powerful enough to
effectively destroy
Plantar warts in one
or two treatments.

Call Dr. Randy
Gerber today
to book your
consultation.

250-762-6097
Located in the Glenmore Medical Building

1615 Gordon Drive, KELOWNA
www.kelownapodiatrylaser.ca

www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

23

health matters

The End to

Scary Dentist Visits

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it 1,000 times: “Nothing
personal, Doc, but I hate going to the dentist!” Maybe, you
can remember saying those exact words at your dental
appointment. The fact is, I felt the same way as a youngster
visiting our dentist in 1958 at an upstairs office on Bernard
Ave. I white knuckled it though a painful needle, a painful
filling, and then I was numb for the rest of the day. Thank
goodness those bad ol’ days are gone.
Most kids today would rather go to the dentist than get
their hair cut. Why? Because they are treated like celebrities.
They get praised and prized for being good, all the while
watching a Disney Classic on TV. With modern techniques
and materials, it doesn’t hurt! (At least it shouldn’t. There are
still a few rough old-school dentists around... but most are
very gentle.)
But what about those of us who carry emotionallycharged memories of the bad ol’ days. I have good news. It is
called oral sedation dentistry. Basically a trained sedation
dentist can give you a dose of “sleeping pills” and you will
doze though the whole procedure, and likely not even
remember being there! Not bad, eh? Obviously, your medical
history is screened to make sure you qualify. But for most

PHOTO • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Submitted by Dr. Robert Wageman

dental cowards or for really long dental appointments, it is
ideal and very safe.
So don’t put off that needed dentistry or the smile you
always wanted because you are scared. Talk to your dentist
about oral sedation. If he isn’t trained for it, he can refer you
to someone who is. Soon you’ll be saying, ”I love going to the
dentist. Just look at my beautiful smile!”
DR. ROBERT WAGEMAN was raised in Winfield
B.C. He moved back to Kelowna in 1978 with his
new bride, Nancy, where they raised their two, now
married, children. Ziprick Road is named after his
great-grandfather, and Reiswig Park after his great
uncle and Wageman Road in Winfield after his Dad.

No life is without its fair share of issues and problems. We
all know the saying, “It’s not the problems that determine
your state, it’s your attitude towards them.” But this often
seems much easier said than done. Here are some practical
tips to help you persevere through life’s challenges:
If we can stay open-minded and not get too emotionally
upset when confronted with a problem, that automatically
reduces the size of the problem. It can be very difficult to
resist the slide into despondency. We have to cultivate the
attitude of a warrior, a thinker, and stand firm and not let our
negative thoughts rule us. We can gain strength by
remembering the times when we were successful and the
energy and vibrancy that success gave us.
Like any other positive quality, our determination can be
cultivated and increased. When fear of an impending
obstacle strikes the pit of your stomach, you can visualize
breathing out this fear, and breathing in determination and
resolve.
If it is the sheer magnitude of a task that is worrying you,
break it down into smaller tasks and tell yourself to just focus
on getting the first small task done. A huge project is done in
little steps so focus on the next most important thing, rather
than taking on some enormous idea that can be completely

26 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

overwhelming.

Inspiration is an important factor in maintaining one’s
resolve. By reading stories, we know we are not alone and
that within the human spirit lies the capacity to solve these
problems. Try to surround yourself with as much inspiration
in the form of books, music and people as possible. By the
same token, you can remove yourself from influences that are
discouraging you from reaching your goal. Surround yourself
with people you admire and want to be more like - reach up
rather than reaching down in your relationships.
We often increase obstacles with our own self-doubt. We
should instead try and increase our faith in ourselves, and our
ability to surpass the object in front of us. When a doubting
thought comes, we can ask ourselves whether this thought
really has any basis in reality - most of the time it does not
have any basis at all. Sometimes by even accomplishing some
small preparatory tasks, we can instill faith in ourselves for the
bigger tasks to come.
DR. CRIPPEN is a Kelowna physician and an active
member of Kelowna’s medical and recreational
community. He and his staff at DermMedica
proudly offer supreme services in medical and
laser treatments. With this clinic being present in
Kelowna since 1994 (previously called Kelowna
Vein Clinic & Aesthetic Solutions) Dr. Crippen
makes it his greatest priority to see that he and his
staff exhibit technical excellence and attention to
patient needs.

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

Strike

health matters

“Can’t”

From Your Vocabulary

Beethoven. JFK. Roger Bannister. What do
these people have in common? You may
surmise they are members of some elite,
secret brotherhood, but it’s far simpler than
that. The common thread these men share
is that they have overcome major obstacles.
B eethoven was deaf, yet composed
symphonies. JFK was told it was impossible to
land on the moon, but proved them wrong. Roger
Bannister ran one mile in less than four minutes - despite
“experts” saying it was impossible!
Working as a doctor for the last 18 years has really given
me an appreciation for what is possible when helping
patients find the health that they’ve lost. When we

acknowledge and respect the power of the mind-body connection, then, and only then, can amazing things happen.
I see so-called “miracles” happening in my office on a daily
basis. Patients have often had their hopes stripped, and told
they “have to live with it.” But the mind is a powerful thing: it
can heal you, and it can make you sick. There are countless
stories of people who have had a “terminal” illness, who,
through the power of the mind, have healed themselves. On
the other hand, who hasn’t felt physically ill when they have
been stressed out? (Eg: butterflies before public speaking).
If you have a health issue, think about what’s going on in
your head. Are you thinking about all the things you will do
when your health returns? Or are you thinking about how
the health issue has been limiting your life? The law of
attraction states that “what you think about, comes about.”
I try to emphasize this with my son with regards to the

Welcome to

PHOTOS • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Submitted by Dr Wayne Terai

word “can’t.” More often than not, we use the word “can’t”
when we really mean “won’t.” For example, “I can’t ask my
boss for a raise.” Is this really can’t, or won’t? This may take
some serious thought and effort, but the next time you use
the word “can’t,” about what you’re truly saying. Over the
years, my coach had drilled into my head this saying: “Can’t
means: Could’ve And Never Tried.”
If you’re dealing with a challenge, whether it’s physical,
emotional, relationship-based or monetary, take a step back,
and really look at it from several angles. You may need to
trade-in some “stinkin’ thinkin’” and reframe the situation to find the solution
you’ve been looking for.
DR.WAYNE TERAI is Advanced Proficiency Rated
in Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique and
also a Certified Laser Therapist. He has been
helping Okanagan residents life an active healthy
life for over 17 years.

With a lasting gift in your memory,
you can continue to help keep
women and children safe

Here
are the

Facts

3280
Since Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers began in1987 we
have solved an amazing 3280 cases.
Shelter • Crisis Support • Information • Counselling
Since 1980 the Kelowna Women’s Shelter has provided safe,
confidential services to women and children who’s lives
have been impacted by family violence and abuse. With
your help we can continue to provide these valuable services.

2352

TIPS

Since 1987 our tips
are responsible for
2352 arrests in the
Kelowna area.

250-763-1040

Thirty Five%

kelownawomensshelter.ca
community@coess.ca

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$260,303 worth of rewards was approved, with $170,550
paid out. This indicates that at least 35% of tipsters are not
interested in the reward.

76.8

$

million

$76.8 million dollars in narcotics have been taken off Kelowna
and area streets; $8.8 million already in 2012! Approximately
$25,000 is raised each year thanks to people like you; as
sponsors and registering in our annual golf tournament. This
pays for rewards and costs to run the programs.

There’s no way of tracing calls, webtips or texts.
A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

Beyond 50 Magazine presents

Saturday,
NOVEMBER 10, 2012
10:00am - 4:00pm
at the Coast Capri Hotel

We’re looking for

30+ Exhibitors
to feature the latest in Wellness,
Health, Wealth and Personal Growth.
For more information on how to be an
exhibitor at the Staying Alive tradeshow
call 250-878-9194 or email Laurel at
laurel@beyond50mag.com

By acting now I can protect my family
when they’ll need it most.
Prearranging your funeral and cemetery needs releases your family
from unnecessary stress and provides them peace of mind. As a
Dignity Memorial® provider, we provide many unique benefits:
• 24-Hour Compassion Helpline®
• Bereavement Travel Program
• 100% Service Guarantee
• Child/Grandchild Protection

A career, strong family connections,
volunteering... and mental illness have
characterized *Judy’s life. To the many
people who have worked and lived
alongside her, she is friendly, talented
and loves her family. But none of these
things protected her from prolonged
seasons of depression and anxiety.

According to statistics, she is among
the 20 per cent of Canadians who
experience mental health issues
serious enough to require treatment
each year. She is also one of more than
30 artists who will displaying her work at
the Artists Among Us Art Show, September 10-23, at the Kelowna Art Gallery.
For Judy and so many of us who
have experienced difficulties with
mental health, pursuing mental fitness
is as critical as physical fitness to a
healthy life.
“We need to look at our lives like a
three-legged stool,” says Shelagh Turner,
Executive Director of the Canadian
Mental Health Association. “Physical,
mental and spiritual. If any one of these
is missing or weakened, the stool isn’t
going to be able to stand. We need to
tend to our mental fitness, just as much
as nutrition or physical exercise.”
Cultivating mental fitness can help
equip us to deal with obstacles so that
they don’t wind up dealing with us.
Mental fitness refers to a person’s
capacity to think about, plan and act on
decisions that contribute to emotional,
social, spiritual and physical development.
Some tips for flexing a fit mind
include:
* Collect positive emotional
moments. Intentionally recall times
when you have experienced pleasure,
comfort, confidence or other positive
emotions.
* Learn ways to cope with negative
thoughts. Negative thoughts can be
insistent and loud. Learn to interrupt
them. Don’t try to block them (that

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

Submitted by Amanda Swoboda

Featured here is just a snapshot of what one can see at this
year's Artists Among Us exhibit.

never works), but don’t let them take
over. Sometimes our own unhelpful
thinking can be the biggest obstacle.
* Consider doing one thing at a
time - especially when you have a lot
on your plate. For example, turn off your
phone when you are with family or
friends and stop making that mental “to
do” list.
Obstacles in life can stress and wear
us down. Committing to mind and
body fitness keeps us “in shape” to
effectively manage life’s challenges.
Come celebrate overcoming adversity and the creative spirit of people

who have experienced mental health
issues at the Canadian Mental Health
Association’s 7th Artists Among Us
exhibit, September 10-23, at the
Kelowna Art Gallery.
AMANDA SWOBODA
BSW is the Connecting
the Dots Coordinator at
the Canadian Mental
Health Association. She
is passionate about using
her diverse personal and
professional experience
in promoting mental
health and wellness.

World of Music
We are the piano and keyboard specialists of the Okanagan and the interior of BC
Pianos by: Yamaha, Brodmann,
Roland, Baldwin, Young Chang,
Samick, New & Used.

Call us
for Professional
Piano Moving
1776 Baron Rd.,
KELOWNA, BC

www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

250-869-0819
TOLL FREE: 1-800-663-5183
PHONE:

EMAIL: kelowna@worldofmusic.ca
WEBSITE: www.worldofmusic.ca

BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

31

Bowling Goes Green in City Park
PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

Submitted by Alan Stirling

Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club 2011.

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

It doesn’t seem long ago that I was
competing in the Scottish U25 Lawn
Bowling Championships.Some 30 years
later, I’m the organizing chair of the
Canadian version being held at
Kelowna Lawn bowling Club in August.
My renewed interest in the game
was kindled by a newspaper article in
August 2010 about the re-vamped
green at the City Park Club. Until then it
had looked like the 100-year-old club
was about to go under,due to a decline in
membership and an almost unplayable
green. If it hadn’t been for a few hardworking members, a full-time green
keeper and a grant of $10,000 from the
city, I fear that would have been its fate.

Grandad Stirling in 1936.

My parents are still avid bowlers. My
mother has represented Scotland on 78
occasions, including the Commonwealth Games, and until recently, my
father was president of the World
32 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

Indoor Bowling Association and
Scottish team manager. I had nominal
success in the game,winning the British
Police Pairs and a few other minor
trophies - not quite the exceptional
standards my parents reached, but
they’re still proud.
I decided to join the Kelowna Club,
and quickly realized that although the
members were few, they had a passion
for the game. Everyone rallied to help
improve the fortunes of the club. I
became vice president last year.
Due largely to a free trial games
initiative, the membership doubled last
year. Potential players are invited to
attend the club on Wednesday
evenings where they receive free
lessons and coaching. All that is
required is a pair of flat soled shoes and
a desire to have some fun.
The club played host to the Interior
Cash Spiel Tournament, which attracted
the current Canadian champion to form
a team with the current junior female
silver medalist and Kelowna’s own
Connor McGowan, the current BC U19
Junior gold medalist.
The players and officials who
attended the event were amazed at the
massive improvement in the playing
surface. In fact, the president of Bowls
BC suggested we tender a bid to hold
the Junior Nationals this year. This
tournament has never been held
outside a major city before. But if you’re
not in it, you can’t win it.
With the invaluable help of Chad

Douglas from Tourism Kelowna, a bid
was submitted and much to my surprise and delight, it was approved.Thus
August 6-14, Kelowna will welcome the
finest young bowlers in Canada to
compete in the U19 and U25
championships. The winners of the U25
will represent Canada in the World U25
Championships, to be held in Wales
next year.
We are currently looking for
sponsors and donations-in-kind to help
with the tournament. Further details
can be obtained by contacting the Club
or visiting the website www.kelowna
lawnbowlingclub.com

There is a popular misconception
that lawn bowling is a game played
only by seniors. This is certainly not
the case. World, National and Regional
champions are consistently under the
age of 30 and Northern Ireland has a 14
year old on their national team. Having
said that, many a good tune is played
on an old fiddle, and while being
horrified that I now qualify as a senior at
age 55, feel that my best bowling is still
to come.
The new season is now underway and we have already
attracted several new
members and have a
number of people taking
advantage of the free trial
membership program. I
would encourage anyone,
at any age, to come and
give it a try.

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

Stinky dog breath?
“My name is Charlie and I recently had
my teeth cleaned by Cindy. She gently
removed the tartar and polished them
so my teeth are white and my breath is
nice enough for kisses once again!”

Mon at the Scottish Singles in 1995.

ALANSTIRLINGwasborn
in Edinburgh, Scotland.
He moved to Kelowna in
2003 and is the owner of
Loopykums Pond & Koi
and spends his leisure
time lawn bowling or
playing/writing music.

Call Cindy Mallach

•9602
859
Your pets will thank you!
250•
h

The Natural Way to have
your dog's teeth cleaned!

h

Free Consultation.

h

Mobile service available.

www.kelownak9oralhygiene.com
The following procedure is considered hygienic and not to be confused with a veterinary procedure.

www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

BEYOND 50 • SUMMER 2012 •

33

Dating in the Middle Ages - Part 2
For those of you who read Beyond
50 regularly, you may have stumbled
across my article in the last issue on
dating in the middle ages - a.k.a. dating
after age 50. I want to find myself a best
friend and life partner. But it is much
easier said than done.
I did sign up with Magnetix Dating
Agency and Julie Clitheroe became my
personal matchmaker; something I
obviously needed help with. Apparently even after 50 years on the planet,
my picker is off. I’m not saying this to
be hard on myself; it is simply the truth.

In order to be fair, I went to an
online dating site to see what I could
find on my own. The last few months
have gone like this...
I met with Julie, gave her my
information and my list of what I was
looking for and what I did not want. It
took about the same amount of time to
type all the information, fill out
questionnaires, and add some photos
to my online profile. The difference was,
on my own I didn’t have a sounding
board to clarify things and give me
feedback. I t was just me at the
keyboard, hoping what I wrote would
attract someone into my life.
Without Julie’s help, I had to do all
the sifting and searching. The first week
I read through hours and hours of
profiles, looked at several hundred
photos of fish, dogs, horses, houses,

PHOTO • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Submitted by Darcy Nybo

motorcycles, sunsets, children and
grandchildren, blank photos and the
odd picture showing an actual man.
Most of those were taken from a
distance, with hats and sunglasses and,
what appeared to be, the obligatory
dog, fish or other woman in the shot. I
quit after finding 10 possible suitors.
The next week I went back and reread the profiles. Half of them my age
were looking for someone 15-20 years
younger. Apparently becoming a father
at 50-plus is in vogue. That left five, so
I sent off an email to introduce myself.
Three replied. Not bad odds, but so far
I’d spent about 27 hours online and not
had so much as a coffee date.
By then Julie had sent me photos
and a brief description of two gentlemen. I went out for coffee with each of
them, had lovely conversations and
realized I was not what they were
looking for and visa versa.
Meanwhile back online, I was still in
the communication stage of getting to

If you are looking for a great relationship,
you want a professional matchmaker not
a self-serve online dating site.

know my possible future dates. It’s
amazing how many online daters prefer
to remain online for a long time.
Personally I like to meet when there is
still something left to find out about
each other. Eventually I did go on two
dates, met two nice men, and discovered we weren’t right for each other.
You could say we flunked chemistry.
Julie sent me two other matches and
I went to meet each of them. They were
a step closer to what I wanted, and the
beauty of dealing with Julie directly was
I could tell her what I liked about each
one - thereby giving her the information needed to find an even better
match for me.
Total time invested with an online
dating site - approximately 38 hours.
Total time invested with Magnetix approximately six hours and that
included four dates!
My time is valuable and I am content
to leave the matchmaking to Julie and
Magnetix so I can concentrate on my
work, family and friends. Stay tuned I’ve yet to connect with my best friend,
but keep the faith and I’ll keep you
posted.
DARCY NYBO is an
award winning author,
freelance writer, editor,
and columnist. She writes
and edits for several
online, local, provincial
and national publications. Her website is
www.alwayswrite.ca.

A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com

PHOTO • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Travel Tailor

Made for
Women
Submitted by Reenie Reid

Marlin Travel Kelowna has partnered
with INDUS Travel to offer women the
opportunity to travel with others to
exotic and fabulous destinations. As
this program has been specifically
designed, you will be delighted to see
additions to the itineraries which add
value and interest to women. All the
perfect touches for a safe, comfortable,
and enjoyable experience are included.

We welcome you to contact us with
your questions.
REENIE REID, CTC.ACC
has been a consultant
for over 32 years. Her
expertise lies in both
Ocean and River Cruising as well as Europe,
Asia and most recently
Peru, South America.

Here are a few tailor-made
excursions offered:
Morocco - Shop for
ingredients and cook Moroccan
dishes with a local female chef.
Vietnam - Tia Chi class with a
female instructor.
India - Learn the art of sari
dressing and get painted by a
professional henna artist.
Italy - Learn to cook with a
professional Italian chef.

WOW trips are suitable for
women of all ages and backgrounds,
from single ladies in their 30s to busy
moms, professionals and retirees.
Some women travel alone, while others
join friends, mothers, daughters or
sisters to share a new adventure.
Regardless of their background, all
women will enjoy the chance to
engage in a unique and enriching
vacation. All the details, from organizing museum outings or sightseeing
tours, to finding the best restaurants in
the destination, will be taken care of.
Leave the guys in the dust on WOW
adventures, which range from cruising
the Nile to trekking the Great Wall of
China. WOW Tours allows women to
bond with each other and challenge
themselves in a friendly and nurturing
environment
If there are specific details that are of
interest to the group - itineraries can
often be adjusted for specialty tours.
And we all know that most women
love to shop, so we have allotted lots of
time for that.
This is a very innovative program
that Marlin Travel Kelowna to offer.
www.WelcomeToKelowna.com • Your Portal to the Community

Our Women Only programs are
specifically designed and tailored for
female travellers. We have added all
the perfect touches for a safe and
enjoyable tour.

One Stumble at a Time
There’s an old proverb that says “A
stumble may prevent a fall.” In my view,
there are two outcomes from that
saying: A person can learn from his/her
mistakes, gain wisdom, and possibly
steer away from a more serious fate, or a
stumble may prevent a fall, but wear
heavy-duty kneepads, just in case.
Given my family’s numerous visits to
the Emergency Room over the years, I
am more familiar with the latter
scenario. That’s simply the way it goes
when there’s a high klutz factor woven
into the genetic mix.
In reality, though, I’m a great believer
in learning from past mistakes before
they explode in your face again. I know
for a fact that one sinfully delicious,
warm out-of-the-oven chocolate
brownie that whispers, “Eat me,” is a
definite impediment to me fitting into

PHOTO • SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Submitted by Marilyn J. Brown

my summer shorts. “To err is human” is
also a popular maxim for me, and better
to work off one brownie than a whole
dish of them.
I admit to weaknesses around buffet
tables, a nibble here and there (heck, I
love good food!), and sometimes I
actually recall stumbling home after
two many glasses of wine.
There have even been
some insightful tidbits
known to surface at such
events, such as the time I
finished a mouthful of fried
calamari only to realize it
resembled a rubber washer I
had replaced in the garden
hose the week before. (It was
a great observation and
inspired titillating conversation at the time.) In short,
I have stumbled my way
through diets, avoiding the scary fads,
learning the needs of my metabolism.

In England, there’s a term for a
calming speed bump in a road. They
call them “sleeping policemen.” For
me, it always conjured up a mental
image of some poor British constable
lying across the roadway, sleeping off
one too many pints at the local
establishment at the end of a shift.
(Having a proper British constable in
the family, I have been assured this is
not often the case - although it isn’t
uncommon to have a rapport with the
pub owners.)
We use the same raised bump idea
36 • SUMMER 2012 • BEYOND 50

in North America for slowing traffic. As
drivers, often there is a warning sign at
the side of the road signalling the
approach of the bump, but sometimes
you’re still startled by the bouncing of
your tires combined with your speed.
Regardless of the warning, the
experience makes you more
mindful for travelling that
road a second time. (The only
time you’re allowed to get “air
time” is on the ski hill.)
Life is indeed full of
obstacles - physical as well as
mental ones. Avoidance is
sometimes the healthiest
approach. Unfortunately,
hurdles will continue to
present themselves on a
regular basis. I believe most
people are stronger than they
think when facing challenges.
A level head and determination are
two good allies when you encounter
stumbling blocks in your path. And if
you ever encounter a “sleeping
policeman,” I hope he’s only dozing
after a lunch break.

MARILYN BROWN is a
regular contributor to
Beyond 50. Follow her
humorous, quirky and
uplifting reflections of
everyday life on her
blog www.cubbyholewr
iter.com. She welcomes
your comments.

When you see Alissa working, Amber
playing with her daughters, and Dee
riding her bike you wouldn’t think there
is anything difference about them.
However they are three of the over
75,000 people living with Multiple
Sclerosis (MS) in Canada.
MS is an unpredictable, often
disabling disease of the central nervous
system that can cause visible signs such
as tremors, and paralysis. It can also

cause invisible symptoms, such as
fatigue, loss of vision or cognitive
function.
Alissa is a medical billing clerk who
finds it difficult to do her work at times
when her MS is relapsing.
Amber takes her girls to the park and
has to rest when she gets there before
playing with her daughters, due to
fatigue from the simple walk over.

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

Submitted by Miriam King

Amber and Blake at the MS Walk.

Dee gets around in a wheelchair, yet
she’s training vigorously for the upcoming MS Bike Tour.
The invisibility of this disease makes it
hard for those living with MS to seek the
assistance and understanding they need.
Routine activities like walking, riding
a bike, shopping and working all take a
toll on a person with MS. People with
MS need to feel safe in discussing their
needs so they can live as close to a
normal life as you and I.
The Okanagan Chapter of the MS
Society is here to help those with this

disease through our various client
services programs. This is why we hold
fundraisers like the Scotiabank MS Walk
each spring.
Come September, Dee will take part
in the MS Bike Tour, having raised funds
in support of finding the cause and cure
for MS. Everything starts and finishes at

PHOTO • CONTRIBUTED

A Great Place makes a Great Event!

Dee riding her bike.
A great relaxing venue to host your next private
function! From Corporate client events to Wedding
and Christmas parties. Our new lounge and meeting
room seats up to 150. The bar is open to the public
and is very popular with locals and visitors alike.
We’re fully accessible and fully licensed.
Check out our calendar for upcoming events!

RONA September 8-9. For more information contact Miriam at the chapter
office, 250-762-5850.
MIRIAM KING discovered her passion for making the life of others
easier when her children
started school. After
years of volunteer fundraising, she obtained her
Fundraising & Volunteer
Management diplomas
from Grant MacEwan in Edmonton. Now she coordinates the fund-raising for the MS Society of
Canada Okanagan Chapter and can be reached
at Miriam.king@ mssociety.ca
A Forum for Boomers and Seniors • www.Beyond50mag.com